Word Origin & History

clear c.1280, from O.Fr. cler, from L. clarus "clear, bright, distinct," related to clamare "call out" (see claim), hence with an original sense of "clear-sounding." An O.E. word for this was sweotol. Of the weather, 1382; of meanings or explanations, c.1300. Sense of "free from encumbrance," apparently nautical, developed c.1500. The verb meaning "to leap clear over" is first attested 1791.

Example Sentences for clear out

I'm afraid I shall have to clear out and look for work elsewhere.

Then clear out on deck and swab the curry off your face, you beast!

"I'm giving you men two minutes to clear out of here," he said.

"You clear out of this or I'll make you," she said warningly.

Clear out less desirable sorts, lessening the struggle for your favourites.

It might take a notion to resist, or get clear out of their clutches.

He was not going to yield to a pair of blackmailers, and he told them to clear out of his house as quickly as possible.

He would be useful to her, if possible, this once, and then clear out!

When he had thoroughly badgered the workwomen, Gervaise would give him twenty sous to clear out.